Interview With Gary Murray #2.

The faithful readers out there know that I recently reviewed the new album from Gary Murray & LN, Minor Lives. You probably also know that I have previously interviewed Gary Murray on this very site. (Incidentally, it's one of our most read interviews, probably because it reveals the secret meaning behind the enigmatic band name LN.) Since there's a new album available, and more music from GM & LN on the horizon, it seemed like a good time to check in again, and Mr. Murray was kind (and patient) enough to grant me an e-mail interview. Enjoy the interview, and don't forget to visit Gary Murray & LN at the links below.
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Brax: After numerous and repeated listens, I’m already deeply in love with Minor Lives. How has the response been since the release?

Gary Murray: Thanks. The response has been cool so far. I knew the die-hard LN fans would enjoy hearing something new. It has been rather slow getting some press, but I'm a patient fellow.

Brax: I noticed some repeating themes and references throughout Minor Lives. Is there a message or a main idea that you hope people take away from the album?

Gary Murray: I'm sure each listener will take something different away from it.

Brax: Are you playing live shows and/or touring in support of the album?

Gary Murray: I am playing shows. Primarily solo gigs, but we plan on a few full band shows soon.

Brax: Minor Lives was not released by your long time label home, Velvet Blue Music. What was the reason for the departure?

Gary Murray: I was never actually signed to Velvet Blue Music. Everything that VBM and LN did together was out of mutual admiration, I think. After a lot of thought and discussions with Dalton and Nathan (LN), releasing this CD on our own just felt like the right thing to do. I'd still love to work with VBM again in the future and our old catalog remains available through them. We'll have to wait and see what the future holds, but for now the GMLN label will be our home.

Brax: Star Wars or Star Trek?

Gary Murray: I guess I would have to choose Star Trek, though Farscape tops my list.

Brax: What upcoming music projects are you and/or LN currently working on?

Gary Murray: I'm hoping to have an ambient CD out soon. And I've been kicking around the idea of an entirely acoustic album. Something more representative of my solo shows. The primary focus has been the new GMLN stuff, though. The band start(ed) recording sessions at the end of September, so a new album by spring. After that, who knows?

Brax: I’m obsessed with vinyl, so I have to ask: 7 inch, 10 inch, 12 inch, or other?

Gary Murray: 12 inch. I prefer entire albums. Singles are cool, but the song has to be really, really strong to stand alone.

Brax: Who did the wonderful artwork/design for Minor Lives?

Gary Murray: That's a picture of my foot as I was sitting outside of the Kopp String Instruments shop. They build the guitars I play. I've never been one for elaborate packaging. The simpler the better. I have always wanted to have a set logo for LN, but never really settled on anything over the years. For some reason I got hooked on this "block" thing and started designing GMLN logos with blocks. There are 3 or 4 different graphics I use now with just letters and blocks. I'm hoping to keep future releases similar. Simple and uniform.

Brax: What is your opinion on extraterrestrial life?

Gary Murray: I'm looking forward to finding life out there. I'm hoping we find botanical life first. Astrobotany fascinates me. As far as "intelligent" life goes, I guess that depends on what the definition of intelligence is. I'd be happy if we found even the simplest of life somewhere else. To know for certain we're not all alone in the universe. But I'm still rooting for plants.

Brax: Rooting for plants. Good one. Many of the artists I fell in love with in the 90’s have retired or moved on from music. What keeps you going? Will we always be able to look forward to future releases from Gary Murray and LN?

Gary Murray: I truly hope there are more releases coming. I'm not entirely sure what keeps me going. I took a long break between Downstream Angels and Minor Lives. It felt "wrong" not to be making music. Like I was going against my nature. Music is just part of who I am and, as long as I'm able, I'll continue to make it.

Brax: Anything else you’d like to add?

Gary Murray: Nothing else to add. Thanks.
GMLN

Visit Gary Murray & LN:www.gmandln.comwww.garymurray.bandcamp.comwww.facebook.com/GMandLN
Tell them Brax sent you!
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Thanks to Gary Murray & LN.
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